Finger Osteoarthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By – Dr. Sameer Gohir
PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Finger Osteoarthritis?

Finger pain due to osteoarthritis is a common condition that occurs when the protective cartilage in the joints of the fingers wears down over time. This degenerative process causes bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and potentially deformity.

Finger stiffness or pain from arthritis making daily tasks harder? Joint Injection Clinic near Kent and Essex offers care to help you move comfortably again.

Schedule your consultation now!
Finger Osteoarthritis

Common Causes of Finger Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is often called “wear and tear” arthritis because it’s mainly caused by the breakdown of cartilage from years of use. While aging is a primary factor, other things can increase the risk, such as a family history of osteoarthritis and previous hand injuries, particularly fractures near a joint. It most commonly affects three areas in the hand: the base of the thumb where it connects to the wrist, the joint closest to the fingertip, and the middle joint of the finger.

Treatment Options for Finger Osteoarthritis

While there’s currently no way to reverse or significantly slow the progression of osteoarthritis, various strategies can help manage symptoms and improve function. Treatment approaches are usually customized for each person and the severity of their symptoms.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

  • Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or pain relievers like acetaminophen, can help manage mild pain and inflammation. These can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin as creams or ointments. For more severe pain, corticosteroid injections into the affected joints may provide relief for weeks or months, although repeated injections can potentially harm tendons and worsen cartilage breakdown.
  • Splints and Braces: Wearing hand braces or splints can help keep the affected joints still and in a less painful position. They can be especially useful at night to ease pain that interferes with sleep. However, using splints for too long should be avoided to prevent joint stiffness.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying ice to sore fingers can reduce swelling, inflammation, and numb the pain. Warm compresses can be helpful for joints that are not inflamed.
  • Activity Modifications: Adjusting how you use your hands can reduce stress on the joints. This can include carrying items over your forearms or using ergonomic tools like jar openers, easy-to-grip utensils, and reachers to help with daily tasks.
  • Physiotherapy: Working with a hand or physiotherapist can help strengthen hand muscles and improve range of motion through specific exercises.

Surgical Treatments:

When pain and mobility problems from osteoarthritis significantly affect quality of life and conservative treatments are no longer enough, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include removing the damaged cartilage and fusing the bones together (arthrodesis) or joint replacement surgery, where the damaged joint is removed and replaced with an implant. It’s important to note that surgery doesn’t fully reverse the damage or restore normal function, and joint fusion results in a loss of motion at that joint.

Current research continues to explore areas such as the long-term outcomes of non-surgical treatments, the best time for surgery, and the potential of emerging biological therapies and regenerative options like stem cell treatments.

Get Help for Finger Osteoarthritis at Joint Injection Clinic

Finger osteoarthritis can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, making everyday activities like gripping, typing, or buttoning clothes difficult. If finger pain is limiting your independence or daily comfort, professional treatment can help you manage symptoms and protect hand function.

At Joint Injection Clinic, our experienced team offers evidence-based care to reduce pain, improve finger mobility, and support your daily activities.

We welcome patients at all three of our clinics:

Dartford Clinic – ideal for those in Kent and South East London

Address: Unit 30, 1st Floor, The Base Dartford Business Park, Victoria Road, Dartford, DA1 5FS.

Romford Clinic – easily accessible from Essex and Greater London

Address: Room no 8, Alliance Office Space 2-4 Eastern Road, Romford, Essex, RM1 3PJ.

Canterbury Clinic – serving East Kent and surrounding areas

Address: 12-17 Upper Bridge Street, Canterbury, CT1 2NF, United Kingdom.


Using ultrasound-guided assessments for accurate evaluation, precision-guided injection treatments, and tailored rehabilitation plans, we help manage pain and stiffness while improving hand mobility so you can confidently return to your daily routine.

Schedule your consultation now!